Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, while entering the airport’s traffic pattern to land on runway 11, he started the before landing checklist procedure but did not lower the landing gear because the airspeed was too fast. Then, on the final leg of the traffic pattern, he was focusing on maintaining a slip in the crosswind and he did not extend the landing gear. The airplane touched down with the landing gear retracted, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Around the time of the accident, the wind was reported from 140° at 9 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA408 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 19, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hollywood, Maryland
- Nearest airport
- St Mary'S County (2W6)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney M20E
- N-number
- N7154U
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1964
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.